Well, here we are, heading back into the new school year.

And if you’re anything like me, I bet you’re happy and sad at the same time.

While a schedule and routine is sounding nice right about now, the hustle of a new school year can be a little daunting.

In this episode I compare transitioning from one season to another to getting on and off the freeway. Yes, things slow down and get choppy, but when we know we’re going to get back to a smooth routine where everything feels automated, it can give us a little more patience when things aren’t running like a well-oiled machine – yet.

And once our mind is in the right place, maybe one of these tips can be the cherry on top for your new school year!

• Have a family meeting to adjust for new routines (close the day, open the day, before and after school)
• Post family activities on a big dry erase calendar.
• Print out routines for kids and place them in a sheet protector. They can reuse them if they check them off with a dry erase marker.
• Stock up on freezer meals for busy nights
• Stock up on lunch supplies for busy school mornings
• Organize get-ready supplies in a caddy that can be easily moved to another mirror or bathroom
• Stock the car with school supplies for last minute emergencies on the way to school (pens, pencils, etc.)
• Stock the backpacks for emergencies (llunch money, ibuprofen, bandiads)
• Set up a homework station
• Designate bins to store memorabilia and important school work